Plummer scores 5 TDs, makes 23 tackles

KALAMAZOO -- The West Michigan Mayhem roughed up the Dayton Diamonds on their way to an 82-0 victory at Soisson-Rapacz-Clason Field in National Women's Football Association action Saturday night.

After retiring former Mayhem Amy Houghton's No. 8 jersey before the game, West Michigan put on a defensive show that no doubt made the former defender from Paw Paw proud. Dayton (0-2) managed to cross into West Michigan territory just once, while the Mayhem (2-0) racked up 479 yards of total offense.

``Coming off a six-turnover game, we talked long and hard about (our offensive execution),'' West Michigan coach Matt Koch said about his team's 7-6 season-opening victory against the Fort Wayne Flash.

``This team is so talented, but when you turn the ball over six times and are flagged 21 times. ... I just asked them after the game (Saturday night), `Do you see what this team is made of now?'''

West Michigan played turnover-free against Dayton and committed just three penalties.

Jennifer Plummer showed why she is considered one of the NWFA's premier players by scoring five touchdowns -- three rushing, one receiving and one on a 23-yard punt return. She finished with 148 all-purpose yards.

``It was great to give a lot of people a lot of playing time,'' said Plummer, who made 23 tackles (16 solo) in the first half before being pulled from the game with the score 68-0. ``We've always tried to shoot for a shutout. It's not to try and rub it in the other team's face, but it's a pride thing.''

The Mayhem received contributions from almost every player on the roster. Quarterback Jody Markwart, playing in a steady drizzle all night, completed four of five passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns.

Parchment native Danielle Daughtry rushed seven times for 87 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown run on which she used a nifty spin move. Telly Robinson ripped off a pretty touchdown run from 46 yards out on which she started on the left sideline, weaved through the Diamonds defense and broke several tackles as she ran up the middle of the field.

``We showed our team speed,'' Koch said. ``We used seven running backs, and it was important for this team to get their confidence back in knowing we have a lot of team speed.''

Bekah Hamlin made 14 tackles (11 solo) and Sarah Claxton was a nightmare for the Diamonds' offensive line, tallying five solo tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble.